The NFHS Board has approved some changes, one of which includes spotting for penalties that occur behind the line of scrimmage.
Great news for football fans! The NFHS Board of Directors has approved seven revisions to the rules for the 2023 season. One of the most significant changes is in Rule (10-4), which will eliminate excessive penalty enforcements for offensive fouls that happen behind the line of scrimmage.
The rules committee has revised the football rules for the 2023 season to help balance offense and defense. One of the changes is that fouls that occur behind the line of scrimmage will now be enforced from the previous spot, rather than the spot of the foul. This change aims to keep the game fair for both teams.
To maintain balance between offense and defense, the NFHS has changed the rules for fouls that happen behind the line of scrimmage, such as holding penalties.
According to the new rule, these penalties will now be enforced from the previous spot, instead of the spot of the foul. However, there are a few exceptions, including illegal kicking, batting, and participation fouls, as well as offensive fouls in the end zone that could result in a safety.
“This is an excellent rule change that the majority of game officials and coaches requested and that our NFHS Football Rules Committee members approved unanimously,” said Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association assistant director Richard McWhirter, who is the chair of the NFHS Football Rules Committee. “I believe this change will make the rule clearer for coaches and easier for game officials to administer.”